Energy efficiency is always a top priority for building owners. From high-performance insulation to energy-efficient windows and lighting, there are many products available to help you keep running costs and energy bills down. There are also ways your roof can contribute to lower energy bills too. Out of sight/out of mind means that we often don’t think about how to use our roofing systems to our advantage in managing the buildings’ overall energy efficiency. There are many innovative roofing materials that not only reduce the energy load on your building but help extend the overall lifespan of your roof system. A win for you, the building, and the environment.
Aluminum Reflective Roof Coatings or Acrylic?
What Are Reflective Roof Coatings?
Reflective roof coatings are one of the most popular options today. Specifically, these are aluminum reflective roof coatings and they are a great option for building owners and contractors that want to improve a building’s energy efficiency. This roofing lets you achieve this at a lower price point than with longer-lasting and higher performing acrylic coatings. But there are more benefits to reflective roof coatings you should know about too. Along with potential cost savings from reduced energy usage, reflective roof coatings offer a number of other benefits including:
- Durability – Reflective coatings are liquid emulsion coatings that are applied between layers of reinforced polyester fabric. This creates a waterproof and long-lasting commercial roof coating.
- Ease of installation – Reflective roof coatings is designed to be applied over existing roof systems, including metal and BUR roofs, which will save time for contractors. There is no longer a need to remove existing roofing.
- Affordability – These systems are a cost-effective way to extend the life of your roof. Materials are significantly less expensive than traditional roof systems, and installation is usually faster which will reduce labor costs.
Do You Choose Acrylic or Aluminum?
Both types of coatings are designed to be compatible with a number of different roof systems. This includes metal, smooth BUR, mineral granulated surface, and emulsion roofing systems. One distinct advantage of aluminum reflective coatings is that they are great for commercial roofs in cold climates. Although aluminum coatings are less reflective than acrylic, they are designed to reflect up to 76% of the sun’s rays. This makes them highly cost-effective and a great cost-saving solution for regions that do not have extreme summer heats. An aluminum coating is also an excellent option for buildings that do not have an A/C cooling load such as warehouses. It provides a great UV and weather barrier for the roof membrane which will add many years to the life and performance of the membrane. It can also be easily re-coated to give even longer life to the membrane.
Aluminum Reflective Roof Coating Installation
Aluminum reflective roof coatings are designed to be installed over a number of different roof systems. Before the coating is applied, you need to make sure your contractor properly repairs the roof surface. Steps to do this will include:
- Removal of all loose debris
- Cleaning oil or grease stains
- Repair cracks
- Update curbs and flashings
- Making sure the roof is fully dry
Conclusion
Depending on the area to be coated, contractors can apply aluminum coatings with either a spray or a broom. Although it’s formulated to work best in cooler climates, aluminum roof coatings should not be applied if the temperature is below 55 degrees. This can interfere with its ability to dry properly. Contractors should also not apply the coating if there is a chance of rain or in the evening. This can allow accumulation of dew before it has sufficiently dried. There are many benefits to aluminum reflective coating and we are here to help you get the best for your property.
